NBA Rookie Ladder: No Zion Williamson, no problem
6. Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies
10.5 PPG, 5.0 REB, 1.0 AST
This is certainly the draft class of mismatch forwards, as we have Brandon Clarke and another player to discuss later on.
What drives Clarke’s game for the Memphis Grizzlies is his ability to handle the ball in transition and make plays off the bounce. Having a big who can grab and go is huge in the NBA that thrives on up-tempo play.
Sure he’s starting to showcase range on his jumper and we know about his soft touch on post moves and runners around the basket, but anything Clarke can give his team off the dribble is gravy when you throw in his massive defensive impact.
He can pretty much switch onto any guy that’s thrown at him 1 through 5, not to mention his pogo-stick rim protection and steal instincts.
Bottom line, Clarke is a playmaker. He just makes things happen on both ends of the floor and the fact he’s already showing different wrinkles to his game in a limited amount of time spent in the pros is a welcome sight for Memphis fans everywhere.
Continuing to expand his range and convert on easy looks off spot-ups is still Clarke’s top priority to ensure he inserts himself into the starting rotation and stays there. For now, he’s the Grizzlies best option off the bench and will continue to impress the more time he gets.